Posted: 21.12.2022 15:29:00

WHO announces global shortage of antibiotics

The increase in the number of infectious diseases in the world has led to a shortage of antibiotics, particularly penicillin and amoxicillin – as stated by Lisa Hedman, Senior Advisor in the WHO Division of Access to Medicines and Health Products, RIA Novosti reports

Ms. Hedman noted that 80 percent of the 35 countries for which data are collected by the WHO are experiencing severe shortages of penicillin antibiotics. For example, in the USA and Canada there is a shortage of amoxicillin. In the European Union, 25 of the 27 members of the association have reported shortages of antibiotics.

Medical experts explains that since the coronavirus raged, demand for antibiotics fell while pressure on supply chains increased. This forced drug manufacturers to reduce production volumes. Today, the surge in energy prices also has a significant impact on the situation.

Some US and European pharmacists are also reportedly reporting shortages of common painkillers such as paracetamol due to increased demand due to the winter wave of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and coronavirus. The EU declares a shortage of medicines against tuberculosis, skin infections.